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    Iowa Airman, son of immigrants, connects through language with coalition partners

    Iowa Airman, son of immigrants, connects through language with coalition partners

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Samantha Hircock | Airman 1st Class Admir Brdar, a cyber systems operations specialist with the 168th...... read more read more

    Military missions often provide new experiences, but sometimes those who serve find a connection to a part of themselves as well.

    That’s what happened for Airman 1st Class Admir Brdar, a cyber systems operations specialist with the 168th Cyber Operation Squadron, when his unit was called to conduct a cyber exercise with partner nations in Zagreb, Croatia.

    Brdar worked with both the Croatians and Kosovars along with fellow U.S. Airmen and Soldiers maintaining operating systems. Brdar, who speaks Bosnian, was able to communicate in a familiar language.

    “It’s amazing that I had the opportunity to go on this trip,” said Brdar. “Never in a million years would I have thought I could use my native tongue.”

    Through the State Partnership Program, various nations are allied with the U.S. National Guard. The unique opportunity to further facilitate international relationships arose in the form of the Midwest Croatia Kosovo Exercise Adriatic Thunder from June 5-19. This cyber exercise was composed of the Iowa National Guard, the Kosovo Security Forces, the Minnesota National Guard and the Croatian Armed Forces.

    The event tested the ability of the joint forces and nations to work together in the defense of critical mission systems. Communication was key to the mission’s success.

    Bosnian, along with Croatian, Montenegrin and Serbian languages, once collectively called Serbo-Croatian, share a common foundation.

    “It’s kind of like accents in the U.S.,” said Brdar. “Being able to speak fluently with the Croatians has been helpful during the exercise.”

    Brdar’s father, Muste Brdar, and mother, Nermina Brdar, came as refugees to the United States in 1996 after the Bosnian Genocide. They had just around $100 to their names. Brdar was born in Texas, but the family spoke Bosnian in the home and he didn’t learn English until he entered primary school.

    Reflecting on the opportunities he’s had in his life already, Brdar spoke of how his parents struggled after first arriving in the United States and how their dedication has motivated him.

    “I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Brdar. “They really gave my siblings and I great opportunities, putting the work in to get where we are as well as still managing to make time for us and attending to our needs.”

    Muste and Nermina worked very hard to achieve a better life for their children, but Brdar fondly recalls that they still took the time to play and be present for the milestones that define childhood.

    “They’ve given me every opportunity and that’s pushed me,” said Brdar of his parents. “I think of where my family came from and where we are now, and I’m really thankful for them.”

    Brdar is currently studying information technology at Iowa State University and looks forward to going further in his military career. He also hopes to use his cyber skills in other missions similar to Adriatic Thunder in order to broaden his knowledge.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.23.2021
    Date Posted: 06.29.2021 14:11
    Story ID: 399590
    Location: ZAGREB, HR
    Hometown: URBANDALE, IA, US

    Web Views: 954
    Downloads: 0

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